The 2014 Midwest Regional Meeting: A Crucible of Scientific Discovery
A journey into the heart of American science, where collaboration forges the future.
More Than Just a Meeting
Imagine a single weekend where the brightest scientific minds from across the Midwest converge. Their goal is not simply to present findings, but to wrestle with the very questions that will define our future.
How can we cure devastating diseases? What clean energy solutions will power our world? How does a single cell transform into a complex, living being?
This was the essence of the 2014 Midwest Regional Meeting—not a single event, but a constellation of specialized conferences, each a powerhouse of innovation in its own right 1 2 6 .
Researchers collaborating at a scientific conference, sharing ideas and discoveries.
The Stage: Three Meetings, One Mission
While often referred to singularly, the 2014 Midwest Regional Meeting was actually a coordinated effort across multiple scientific disciplines.
ACS Midwest Regional Meeting
Held at the University of Missouri in Columbia from November 12-15, featuring over 500 presentations across chemical disciplines 1 .
Midwest SDB Meeting
The 52nd annual gathering at Washington University in St. Louis exploring developmental biology mysteries 6 .
APSA Midwest Meeting
Focused on bridging lab research and clinical care at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland 2 .
October 16-18, 2014
Midwest Society for Developmental Biology Meeting - Washington University, St. Louis
November 12-15, 2014
American Chemical Society Midwest Regional Meeting - University of Missouri, Columbia
November 15, 2014
American Physician Scientists Association Midwest Regional Meeting - Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland
A Deep Dive into Developmental Biology
Research in this area seeks to understand the precise instructions that guide a fertilized egg through the incredible journey of forming a complete organism.
Zebrafish Research
Illuminating the Journey of Neurons
Dr. Victoria Prince from the University of Chicago presented her lab's elegant work on the migration of facial motor neurons in zebrafish 6 .
These neurons, essential for controlling facial movements, are born in one part of the brain and must undertake a long, precise journey to their final positions.
Advanced Live Imaging
Using fluorescent markers to track neuronal migration in real-time
Planarian Research
Unlocking the Secrets of Regeneration and Germ Cells
Dr. Phil Newmark, an HHMI Investigator from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, studied germ cell development in planarians 6 .
These remarkable flatworms are known for their ability to regenerate virtually any part of their body.
Single-Cell RNA Sequencing
Characterizing unique genetic profiles of individual germ cells
Research Impact
These studies provide critical insights into congenital disorders and parasitic diseases, advancing both basic science and medical applications.
Real-time
Neuronal Tracking
Single-Cell
Genetic Analysis
Regeneration
Studies
The work presented at the 2014 SDB meeting has contributed significantly to our understanding of developmental processes with implications for medicine and biotechnology.
In-Depth Look: A Key Experiment in Live Imaging
The following breakdown details the methodology behind the kind of live imaging research presented by Dr. Prince, a cornerstone of modern developmental biology.
Methodology: Tracking a Neuron's Path
1 Creating Transgenic Zebrafish
Researchers first genetically engineer zebrafish to carry a fluorescent protein gene under the control of a promoter that is only active in specific facial motor neurons.
2 Sample Preparation
Developing zebrafish embryos are mounted in a specialized gel that keeps them alive and immobile for imaging under a confocal microscope.
3 Time-Lapse Imaging
The confocal microscope takes a series of high-resolution images at regular intervals over 24-48 hours, creating a movie of the migration process.
4 Genetic and Chemical Perturbation
The experiment is repeated in zebrafish with specific genes knocked out or embryos exposed to chemicals that block potential signaling pathways.
5 Image and Data Analysis
Specialized software tracks the path, speed, and direction of individual neurons across the image series to identify essential navigation factors.
Experimental Visualization
Visual representation of neuronal migration patterns under different experimental conditions.
Results and Analysis
| Condition | Average Migration Speed (microns/hour) | % of Neurons Reaching Correct Target | Observed Migration Path |
|---|---|---|---|
| Normal (Control) | 12.5 ± 1.2 | 98% | Direct, posteriorly directed |
| Gene 'X' Knockout | 5.3 ± 2.1 | 25% | Erratic, circular, no direction |
| Signaling Molecule 'Y' Inhibited | 11.8 ± 1.5 | 65% | Correct direction but stopped prematurely |
Interpretation
The core results demonstrate that disrupting specific genes or signaling pathways has profound effects. The loss of Gene 'X' nearly halts migration, suggesting it is crucial for the motor function of the cell. Inhibiting Signaling Molecule 'Y' allows neurons to start correctly but not finish, indicating it might be a long-range guidance cue, like a "homing beacon."
The Scientist's Toolkit: Essential Research Reagents
Modern biological research relies on a suite of sophisticated tools that power discoveries like those featured at the 2014 meetings.
Fluorescent Proteins
Used as "tags" to make specific proteins or cells visible under a microscope, enabling live imaging of biological processes 6 .
Morpholinos
Synthetic molecules that can temporarily "knock down" the expression of a specific gene, allowing researchers to study its function.
Single-Cell RNA Sequencing Kits
Reagents that allow for profiling of the complete set of RNA molecules in a single cell, revealing its unique identity 6 .
Antibodies
Proteins that bind to specific target molecules; when labeled with fluorescent dyes, they visualize protein location in tissues.
Research Reagent Solutions
| Reagent/Material | Function in Research |
|---|---|
| Fluorescent Proteins (e.g., GFP) | Used as "tags" to make specific proteins or cells visible under a microscope, enabling live imaging of biological processes 6 . |
| Morpholinos | Synthetic molecules that can temporarily "knock down" the expression of a specific gene, allowing researchers to study its function without permanent genetic modification. |
| Single-Cell RNA Sequencing Kits | Reagents that allow for the profiling of the complete set of RNA molecules in a single cell, revealing its unique identity and functional state 6 . |
| Antibodies (Fluorescently-Labeled) | Proteins that bind to specific target molecules with high affinity; when labeled with a fluorescent dye, they are used to visualize the location and abundance of a target protein in a tissue. |
| Cell Culture Media | A precisely formulated solution of nutrients, growth factors, and hormones designed to keep cells or tissues alive and proliferating outside of a living organism. |
Beyond the Bench: The Human Element of Science
The 2014 meetings proved that science is far more than just data and reagents; it's a deeply human endeavor.
Career Development
The APSA meeting featured breakout sessions on choosing a mentor, work-life balance, and navigating diverse career paths for physician-scientists 2 .
Professional Workshops
The ACS meeting offered workshops from ACS Career Services on "Finding Your Pathway" and "Résumé Review" for chemists 1 .
Networking & Inspiration
A highlight was a banquet at the St. Louis Science Center Planetarium featuring Dr. Ursula Goodenough's journey through eukaryotic evolution 6 .
"This blend of social events, networking, and inspirational talks is vital for building the collaborative and supportive communities that drive science forward."
Conclusion: A Legacy of Collaboration and Discovery
The 2014 Midwest Regional Meetings were more than just a date on the calendar. They were a vibrant demonstration of the scientific process itself—a process built on curiosity, rigorous experimentation, and the free exchange of ideas.
The work showcased there, from mapping neuronal pathways to sequencing individual cells, has contributed to the foundational knowledge that fuels today's medical and technological advances.
The challenges of the 21st century—in health, energy, and the environment—are complex. As we have seen, the path to solutions lies in the kind of dedicated, collaborative spirit that defined these regional meetings. They remind us that by sharing our questions and discoveries, we collectively push the boundaries of what is possible.
Collaboration
Bringing together diverse scientific minds
Innovation
Fostering groundbreaking discoveries
Progress
Advancing science for future generations